autoevolution
 

Subaru BRZ Gets V8 Power!

The Subaru BRZ, Toyota GT86 and Scion FR-S are all great cars, and the source of their greatness is the perfect weight distribution, coupled with a low center of gravity, lots of tactile feedback and an intentional lack of grip which makes the car even more fun than it should be.
Subaru BRZ with V8 1 photo
Photo: Weapons Grade Performance
However, some have criticized it for not having enough power to really work the chassis, and while a few have fitted the car with turbochargers and superchargers, this is the first V8 engine swap that we know of. The work was carried out by Weapons Grade Performance (WGP), and their modified BRZ now boasts an LS2 V8, from the Pontiac GTO, which makes 400 hp.

Now, with the new V8, the car is probably transformed, but is it better? Well, considering the fact that the V8 weighs a lot more than the boxer engine the car comes with, and the fact that it is also taller and therefor raises the car’s center of gravity, we don`t think the car is any better in the corners - in fact we think it`s worse.

Still, for showing off, doing burnouts and regular driving, this V8-powered BRZ is definitely good, but at actually being driven and being fun, we say the standard car can`t really be improved on, especially not in such a vulgar way. Subaru themselves have said that there is not enough room in the engine bay for an intercooler, so the STi version of the BRZ will not have forced induction, yet here come WGP with this impressive engine swap to prove them wrong.
If you liked the article, please follow us:  Google News icon Google News Youtube Instagram X (Twitter)
 

Would you like AUTOEVOLUTION to send you notifications?

You will only receive our top stories